April Wylie's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

I was 19 and went to see a doctor for my migraines. He recommended an MRI. My MRI results came back with lesions on my brain – the lesions found were was similar to multiple sclerosis (MS).

I didn't think anything of it. I was in instant denial. I never went back to see a doctor until 15 years later.

I woke up one morning, and my legs were completely numb. I ended up going to the ER where I was given a CAT scan, which came back normal. I brought up my MS diagnosis, and that's when I was then referred to a neurologist.

The neurologist had me get another MRI, and sure enough, I had the lesions – and there were a lot more than the previous MRI. At my neurologist appointment, I was told that I do have MS, and I do need to treat it and take care of my health.

It seemed like my health went downhill fast. I was always sick, always in bed, and eventually had to start using a cane. MS affected my eyes, and I had to get eye surgery – which turned out better than they thought.

The more I learn about MS, the more I recognize the signs my body gives me when I need to rest and slow down.

I did a follow-up and got a new MRI to check if anything changed since my last MRI, and by the grace of God, my lesions decreased in size. I knew right then it was because of all the prayers from my church family.

I would have to say listening to my body, accepting help, resting, going to a support group, and avoiding the heat were some of the lifestyle changes I have made.

Who has been there for you? How?

My pastor and the church have helped me since day one of my diagnosis and have been my biggest supporters. My dad and grandparents have also been a great help and have been super supportive of me.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I would have to say that I'm proud, even though I was devastated when I got diagnosed, that I saw my diagnosis from a different point of view – I saw it in a Christian way.

I kept telling myself, "God chose you to fight this battle so that you can tell others about how much faith you had in God to get through this storm and is a way to show others what faith and hope can do."

What's your advice to someone else living with multiple sclerosis?

Stay strong and don't give up. There are days you will win some and some you will lose, but staying positive and having a great support system, as I do with my church family, really helps a lot.